I have always wanted to go to this spa and finally did! I really kick myself for not coming here…read morebefore their price increases, but honestly, I felt like their gemini package was a great deal. We paid about $400, I'm estimating here, for 2 people to experience an hour massage and time in their hot tub room. We never felt rushed, even though we came on labor day weekend, so that was really nice. I agree with a lot of the reviews that say the hot tub has some wear and tear, it does, but we were still very comfortable and happy. I loved looked into the gardens and appreciated that there weren't mosquitos in our room. I did fear that as someone who attracts them like flies to honey. I'm happy to report no bites reported! We both enjoyed our massages. I don't know if this matters to you, but all massages are in single rooms. I had a wonderful massage and was so bummed when it was over!! We both had great massages. We will be back when we're in town. Parking was really easy. There's a lot right next door and street parking too.

3.5 stars. We did the Gemini package. Had 1 hour in our room and then 50 minute massages. The room…read morewas very peaceful and clean. The tub was worn down so you can see the stains, however, it was clean. It may be off putting for some ppl, just fyi. It was very quiet and peaceful with a lovely view. The sauna was also a nice touch. Wish there was a cold plunge, but we used the shower instead for a cold rinse. I have an anxious mind and it's very hard for me to relax, I didn't achieve it here, but was able to calm my nerves just a bit. My bf loved it and was fully able to zen out and enjoyed the sauna. The teas were nice pairing. Afterwards we had our massages. The masseuses looked like students, but overall they did a nice job, not the best, but it was calming. Unsure if they are certified. We have had various massages & I have my go to. These ones were just okay. My masseuse was kind and made sure the pressure was okay for me. I didn't get a hot towel afterwards to wipe the oil/lotion off so I was left sticky when we went out for dinner in DT SC. I think because of social media I was itching to try this place. A bit on the pricier side for the quality, however, more affordable compared to other Bay Area places. Staff were nice, street parking. Pay to park.

Loved it here, we came on a Wednesday for their Wednesday deal. Massage for phenomenal shoutout to…read moreYazmin! I usually like more time on head massages but her technique is unique and not the same as other masseuses. Onsen with garden view was so cute, perfect for friends and couple room was big. Has an open shower and a sauna. They also give you towels, robes, and water/tea

4 stars! Well…read moreWithin is a zen like, miminally decorated spa that offers a relaxing & detoxifying hot tub, dry sauna & massage & is located in the heart of the bustle of downtown Santa Cruz. It's walking distance from the main street, so if you park & pay for a few hours, it will likely cover your time at Well Within. Well Within is a lovely retreat away you can do solo, with your special boo or with a few lovely pals. Both rooms I've had here had a hot tub with a view that opens up to a peaceful, manicured green garden and koi pond. The room has a fragrant cedar dry sauna that was such a lovely hot & calming treat. There's also a shower inside complete with shampoo, body wash & conditioner that I like to use upon arrival. There's lovely hot tea provided, towels, even wet bags to put your wet items in. And of course there's the jetted hot tub that's super hot and so relaxing. My favorite way to enjoy this experience is, first shower to get all the oils, soaps, hair product off, and then enter in the steamy hot tub. After it gets too hot and uncomfortable, cool off in cool water from the shower, then heat back up in the dry cedar sauna. After you can't stand the dry heat anymore, rinse off in the cool shower and repeat the whole process. When all is said and done, the gong has sounded, you're dressed and out the door, be prepared to be limp, quiet & peaceful afterwards. When I leave here, I am so calm, so mellow, and so relaxed. Its like a wonderful slice of peace for my mind & body. A few downsides: they only allow 50 minute slots for this whole process for $45, which is not a whole lot of time for me personally. By the time I'm loosy goosy & relaxed, I feel like I am hearing the gong, which means it's time to clean up, get dressed & head out. Another thing is, because it's an older establishment, it's starting to show its wear & tear. Would I go back? Yes. But I'd ask for a double time slot for 100 minutes if they'd let me, or I'd head over to Tea Spa, another similar spa that's more expensive but has longer time slots.

I came in carrying the effects of years of sports injuries and a hectic schedule, and this was…read moreexactly what I needed. Lalita was amazing, warm, intuitive, and incredibly skilled. She made me feel comfortable right away, and I left feeling like a new person: relaxed, revived, and restored. The entire experience felt like a peaceful little oasis in Santa Cruz. The staff were kind, professional, and genuinely welcoming from the moment I arrived. I highly recommend Lalita and Maitreya Retreat to anyone who needs a chance to slow down, reset, and reconnect with themselves.

I think the owner should notify clients that there business is coed and clothes are optional. I…read morewent there with the intention of enjoying the Zen garden and nature. Instead the front entrance needs some upkeeping and clients should bring their own robe. We got there early and the person did not greet us or acknowledge us as she open the door for the day. She open and went in and door slammed shut. It was out first time there and I can say it will be our last. That place was not Zen at all. And it semi- ruined my moms 84th birthday. Lastly, please change the towels on the massage table the face part. My mom said it smelled rancid.

I spent the weekend in Capitola and really needed a massage. I found Opal Spa through a Google…read moresearch and was able to book a last-minute appointment. The front retail area is beautiful. I felt so comfortable when I walked in. I met my masseuse Lam, who brought me to my room. Another beautiful space! The spa music, electric fireplace, and pre-warmed table are so wonderful. The best part of this visit was Lam. I've had so much back pain lately, and she found each knot and ache and worked them over. I would say this massage is one of the best I have ever had. I floated out of the room! Lam is so friendly and professional. This will be the only place I go to whenever I come to Capitola. Thank you!

What a wonderful experience to receive a pedicure in a clean, quiet, relaxing atmosphere! The cute…read moreand cozy reception area is welcoming and a nice place to wait before your service. I booked my appointment in advance online and was seen at my scheduled time. The pedicure I received the other day was one of the best I've ever had, and I've had a lot! It's all the little details like the temperature of the water, the paraffin application, gentleness of the filing and the magical leg/foot massage that give a 5 star rating. What you'll find here are high end polishes to choose from, expert application of polish, as little or as much chatting as you like and feel like a valued patron not being rushed.

Michiko is a terrific hair cutter and a very delightful lady. I drive a hundred miles to see her…read moreand it's well worth the effort; highly recommended!

Michiko has turned me from a crusty old geezer into a really handsome fellow for the last year. I…read morerecommend her for women and children of course, but she really is an artist with men, especially old guys who need a skilled magician.

Friendly staff, wonderful and caring treatment. I always look forward to my appointment.read more

Chrissie was a wonderful guide into my first cranio-sacral therapy appointment. This clothes-on…read moretype of therapy helped to gently release the tensions I have been experiencing in my neck. I had booked the night before and was so glad to have been seen so soon as I tossed and turned unable to sleep from the discomfort. I was able to ask questions and get clarity on my next wellness steps with the general summary of my therapy results. Highly recommended for gentle tension relief and breathing techniques.

I live the place and the owner is sooo welcoming, kind and accommodating!…read moreI see Vanessa and been for sometime. Besides a great stylist her personality is awesome!!! She asks questions about what u the client wants and gives constructive advice!! I really recommend her as im sure all the stylists there are good also!!

Huge Disappointment I tried to get an appointment with Shell…read morebut she was in Europe. I've known her for years and does beautiful color. She recommended Vanessa and gave me her number and passed on my two blonde colors. I couldn't get in until Friday before my important weekend with Filoli Gardens. I was to demo watercolors for two days. Vanessa did my hair and she did a beautiful job EXCEPT she used the WRONG COLOR and I ended up with Ash/mousey brown hair! It made me look DEAD! I called her and she wanted me to come right down but I had NO extra time! I quickly put on a Frosting cap and lightened it in sections. Some parts are brassy so I washed it with purple shampoo to soften it. I used to frost for years. I paid Vanessa $174 including tip. Because "I" touched it she would not help me! If she put in the wrong combination she should stand up to it!

What a great find! We decided to try Sa Teresa Spa for an afternoon massage and were really happy…read morewith our choice. The facility was clean and comfortable, and our massage therapists were friendly, fun, and made us feel relaxed right away. The massages were excellent and such a great value. My husband even got to experience the Thai-style walking-on-your-back technique, which put a huge smile on his face! We left feeling relaxed, refreshed, and very pleased with the whole experience. If you're looking for a clean, welcoming place for a really good massage at a reasonable price in Santa Cruz, Sa Teresa Spa is definitely worth a visit. We'll be back!

Terrible massage and then forced to tip extra…read more Where to even start, horrible or no technique for the massage at all it was just random rubbing not intentional or intuitive. Most of the time she used no pressure and just grazed her hands over me, i dont actually know how someone could give a massage that felt so bad no only was it extremely light pressure somehow it was painful. She would be tugging and knocking and all sorts of things to compensate for the no pressure. It also felt like her hands were just going over my body no finger work or skill al. Also both me and my friend felt like the next day we felt worse than before our massage, back/neck pain wise like they used very improper technique The worst part: what completely took me out of spa mode. I tipped 20% and they demanded i tip more, it was very awkward and uncomfortable and i felt pressured to tip more even though we hated our massage.

Such a hidden gem! I had an amazing facial done by Kindred, thank you!! Very relaxing. The products…read moreused smelled good and felt good. Loved that she spent time on extractions. My skin was very happy after. Staff was friendly. Super easy to book online. Easy to get to, parking out front. Very clean inside. Can't wait to come back!

Had a great Tuina massage today. Had never had that style before. Staff was professional and…read morefriendly. Everything was clean and relaxing. Great value.

I made an appointment with Jenn, at The Loft. Jenn made this experience more then worthwhile. I…read morewent in with nerves due to not having my hair done in four + years. Jenn immediately made me feel comfortable and well taken care of. She is a master at her craft and i'm beyond grateful for what she was able to do for me. I didn't feel like she rushed any of the process and that made me a lot more comfortable. Outside of the hair she was wonderful and able to clearly communicate in a timely manner. If you need anything done to your hair I swear by Jenn. I had a lovely experience and I bet you will too!

Can't stop recommending this place to all my family, friends, and clients! I have been coming here…read moreconsistently for the past 3 years. I have standing appointments with Jazelle for hair, Destiny for facials, and Debra for massage. Jazelle is a master of her craft. Not only is she a great listener and confident stylist with copious years of experience, she leaves me feeling more beautiful and relaxed every time I see her. Since I have started seeing her my hair has been the longest, strongest, and healthiest it's ever been. While keeping my blonde super bright and blended. Jazelle did the hair for my wedding day and my hair looked gorgeous and stayed styled and curled all day from 10am-10pm with tons of dancing! I'm so happy I trusted her with my special day. Recently I asked her to help me have a little fun with my color and she suggested that I try pink. I've always wanted to do something like that but was worried it might ruin my hair. Jazelle did the pink more subtle at first so I could 'try it out' and I loved it so much I went for it the next appointment! I've never gotten so many compliments on my hair! Jazelle also uses the highest quality product and cares a lot about not using toxic substances on peoples hair. I've completely switched to only using Jazelles recommended products and my hair is so soft and smells so good! Not to mention Jazelle puts sparkly tinsel in my hair every time (I always ask) and I am obsessed! Especially because it's lasts so long (at least 3+ weeks)! I will never trust anyone else with my hair thank you so much Jazelle!! Destiny is the skin queen! I recommend all my clients to her because they notice how healthy my skin looks. Since I've been seeing Destiny consistently for her glow treatment facials my skin looks brighter, feels way less dry, and the little bit of forehead wrinkles I had have almost completely vanished. I can't stop singing her praises! Debra is the most intuitive body worker I have ever seen and works magic every time I am on her table. I am a nail technician and feel such a difference in my back, neck and hands after seeing Debra consistently. More people need to prioritize their self care and go see these lovely ladies! Everyone I have interacted with at The Loft Salon and Spa have been very welcoming, warm, professional and kind. Please don't miss out on this wonderful place!